Patricia Ann Janowski, age 80, passed away February 12, 2024 at her residence in Fortuna.

Patti was born on March 29, 1943 in Oceanside, California to Walter and Charlotte Watkins. Her family moved to Humboldt County to open a restaurant in Arcata when she was very young. They settled in Eureka with her attending Lincoln Elementary School, Eureka Junior High and graduating from Eureka High School.

Patti led a career of public service working over 20 years at the Humboldt County Public Works Department. She later retired from the County of Sonoma Risk Management Department. Shortly after retirement she moved to Fortuna to be closer to her family.

Patti or “Nana” as her grandchildren called her, was fiercely independent, kind-hearted and a devoted mother and grandmother. She could always be found in the bleachers at baseball games or ringside at the dairy show at the county fair. She was an avid reader and gardener, cultivating a perfect lawn, beautiful roses and berries. She loved to share her bountiful harvest of roses, blueberries and raspberries with family and friends. Patti was a true animal lover. She was especially passionate and held a special place in her heart about raising her Siamese cats over her lifetime.

Patti is survived by her son Tom and daughter-in-law Denise, and two grandchildren Emily (Mike) Gerhold and Tyler Janowski. She also leaves behind a lifelong friend Jennifer Simms, her special neighbors and dear friends that were like family to mom, Morgan and Savannah Ferguson and their three daughters.

She is preceded in death by her father Walter Ray Watkins and her mother Charlotte Amanda Huntus, sister Nancy Bender, niece Kim Bender, nephew John Card, sister in law Judi Resch, best friends Jesse and Donna Conn and Elaine Oester.

Arrangements provided by Ayres Family Cremation. In lieu of flowers and services, the family suggests memorial gifts may be made to Miranda’s Rescue, 1603 Sandy Prairie Road Fortuna, CA 95540.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Patti Janowski’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.